The President of the United State of America Joe Biden on Tuesday praised Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership in securing the humanitarian release of American citizen and former U.S. law enforcement official Tigran Gambaryan.
The White House, in a statement, highlighted the conversation between the two leaders, emphasizing both their shared commitment to global security and strengthening U.S.-Nigeria relations.
The White House statement read: “setting a diplomatic tone as the leaders touched on a range of mutual interests. President Biden’s dialogue with Tinubu comes amidst recent humanitarian crises affecting Nigeria, including severe flooding that has devastated parts of northeastern Nigeria. Expressing empathy, Biden conveyed “condolences on the recent flooding that has impacted northeastern Nigeria.”
The conversation reflected Biden’s admiration for Tinubu’s decisive action in securing Gambaryan’s release. The statement noted, “President Biden underscored his appreciation for President Tinubu’s leadership in securing the release on humanitarian grounds of American citizen and former U.S. law enforcement official Tigran Gambaryan last week.”
Their exchange extended beyond immediate humanitarian gestures, delving into broader areas of collaboration. As the White House noted, “The two leaders also spoke about the value of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership in addressing global challenges and advancing security and prosperity across multiple sectors.” Biden emphasized that the partnership is not only rooted in shared values but also in a collaborative vision for tackling global challenges, from financial security to technological advancement.
“In particular, President Biden expressed appreciation for cooperation on law enforcement,” the statement highlighted, pointing to the recently launched Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance and Cryptocurrencies. This group is aimed at combating financial crime and enhancing cross-border security. Additionally, Biden underscored the importance of “collaboration on new and innovative technologies,” signaling a shared commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions for contemporary challenges.
Reflecting on broader international dynamics, Biden and Tinubu discussed shared interests in “reforming international organizations to reflect African voices.” Both leaders have stressed the importance of including African perspectives in global institutions, aligning with calls for a more inclusive international framework.
The Biden-Tinubu conversation underlines a strengthening of ties between the U.S. and Nigeria, affirming both leaders’ dedication to security, humanitarian relief, and an inclusive global order.